Does the target dose of neurohormonal blockade matter for outcome in Systolic heart failure in octogenarians?

Neurohumoral Activation in Heart Failure

In patients with heart failure (HF), the neuroendocrine systems of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the arginine vasopressin (AVP) system, are activated to various degrees producing often-observed tachycardia and concomitant increased systemic vascular resistance. Furthermore, sustained neurohormonal activation plays a key role in the progression of HF and may be responsible for the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the perpetuation of the pathophysiology and worsening of the HF signs and symptoms. There are biomarkers of activation of these neurohormonal pathways, such as the natriuretic peptides, catecholamine levels and neprilysin and various newer ones, which may be employed to better understand the mechanisms of HF drugs and also aid in defining the subgroups of patients who might benefit from specific therapies, irrespective of the degree of left ventricular dysfunction. These therapies are directed against these neurohumoral systems (neurohumoral antagonists) and classically comprise beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and vaptans. Recently, the RAAS blockade has been refined by the introduction of the angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan, which combines the RAAS inhibition and neprilysin blocking, enhancing the actions of natriuretic peptides. All these issues relating to the neurohumoral activation in HF are herein reviewed, and the underlying mechanisms are pictorially illustrated.

The Use of Brain Natriuretic Peptide in the Evaluation of Heart Failure in Geriatric Patients

Heart failure is one of the main morbidity and mortality factors in the general population and especially in elderly patients. Thus, at the European level, the prevalence of heart failure is 1% in people under 55 years of age but increases to over 10% in people over 70 years of age. The particularities of the elderly patient, which make the management of heart failure difficult, are the presence of comorbidities, frailty, cognitive impairment and polypharmacy. However, elderly patients are under-represented in clinical trials on the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. The need for complementary methods (biomarkers) for differential and early diagnosis of heart failure is becoming more and more evident, even in its subclinical stages. These methods need to have increased specificity and sensitivity and be widely available. Natriuretic peptides, in particular B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its fraction NTproBNP, have gained an increasingly important role in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of heart failure in recent years.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Dose Optimization and Its Associated Factors at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors dose optimizations (ACEIs) are essential to boost the treatment outcome in heart failure patients (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate dose optimization and associated factors of ACEIs among HF patients.

METHOD

An institutional-based retrospective study was conducted on 256 study participants from May 20 to August 30, 2020 in ambulatory care clinic at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A systematic random sampling method was carried out to select study participants. Data were collected from the patient interview and the review of medical records. Epidata and SPSS version 22 were used for data entry and analysis. A bivariate logistic regression analysis was done to determine the association of independent variables with a dose optimization of ACEIs.

RESULTS

The mean age of the subjects in the study was 53.82 years with a standard deviation (SD) of 17.067 and more than half of (60.9%) the patients were unable to read and write. Among participants who were receiving ACEIs, only 30.6% were taking an optimal dose. Age ≥65 years (AOR 5.04 (2.81-12.56)) and a dose of furosemide ≥40 mg (AOR, 2.62 (1.28-16.74)) were significantly associated with the suboptimal dose of ACEIs.

CONCLUSION

Only one-third of patients received the optimum dose of ACEIs. Older age and dose of furosemide greater >40 mg were significantly associated with suboptimal dosing of ACEIs. Therefore, more attention must be given to older patients with HF in order to optimize the dose of ACEIs administered.

Trends in Characteristics and Outcomes in Primary Heart Failure Hospitalizations Among Older Population in the United States, 2004-2018

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) accounts for a significant proportion of morbidity, mortality, and health care costs among older adults in the United States. We evaluated trends in clinical outcomes and the economic burden of HF hospitalizations in older patients (≥80 years).

METHODS

This analysis included data from the National Inpatient Sample between January 2004 and December 2018. We examined the trends of clinical characteristics, inpatient mortality, and health care cost utilization in older US adults for HF hospitalizations.

RESULTS

We identified 6 034 951 weighted HF hospitalizations for older adults (3527 per 100 000 person-years). After an initial decline in HF hospitalizations per 100 000 older US older adults from 4211 in 2004 to 3089 in 2014, there was increase to 3388 in 2018 (P trend <0.001 for both). There was an overall increase in cardiometabolic and chronic comorbidities during the study period. Overall, inpatient mortality was 4.7%; the adjusted inpatient mortality decreased from 6.1% in 2004 to 3.6% in 2018 (P trend <0.001). There was a decrease in adjusted mean length of stay (from 6.0 days in 2004 to 4.7 days in 2018) and adjusted inflation-adjusted care costs (from $11 865 in 2004 to $9677 in 2018) during the study period (P trend <0.001 for both). In comparison with younger adults (<80 years), older adults had higher inpatient mortality (4.7% versus 2.2%) but lower inflation-adjusted care costs ($10 587 versus $14 088).

CONCLUSIONS

This 15-year national data suggests that despite a higher comorbidity burden and the recent increase in hospitalizations for HF in older patients, there has been an encouraging trend towards lower inpatient mortality, health care cost, and hospital length of stay among older adults in the United States.

Factors associated with non-use and sub-target dosing of medical therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

In clinical practice, many patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are either not prescribed guideline-directed medical therapies for which they are eligible or are prescribed therapies at sub-target doses. The objective of this study was to examine the factors associated with not receiving guideline-directed medical therapies or receiving sub-target doses. We conducted a systematic review of articles published between January 2014 and May 2019 that described dosing patterns and factors associated with non-use and sub-target dosing of HFrEF therapies in clinical practice. Thirty-seven studies were included. The percentages of patients reaching target doses for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, sacubitril/valsartan, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists ranged from 4 to 55%, 11 to 87%, 4 to 60%, and 22 to 80%, respectively. Older age and worsening renal function were associated with non-use and sub-target dosing, lower body mass index was commonly associated with non-use, and hyperkalemia and hypotension were commonly associated with sub-target dosing. In conclusion, several common patient characteristics are associated with non-use and sub-target dosing of medical therapy for HFrEF. These high-risk groups are in particular need of further studies to improve implementation of available medications and to define the role of novel therapies.

Treatment optimization of beta-blockers in chronic heart failure therapy

Although evidence based guidelines recommend optimal use of beta blockers in all patients with chronic heart failure unless contraindicated, they are often underutilized and/or prescribed below the recommended dosage in the majority of patients with heart failure. To our knowledge, however, the optimal use of beta-blockers in chronic heart failure is not investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the utilization and optimization of beta blockers in the management of patients with chronic heart failure in Ethiopia. A prospective observational study was conducted among ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure in Ethiopia. We included adult patients with a diagnosis of heart failure with a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% who had been on follow-up for at least 6 months. Patients were recruited into the study during their appointment for medication refilling using simple random sampling technique. All patients were followed for at least 6 months to determine the optimal use of beta blockers. The optimal use of beta blockers was determined according to evidence based guidelines. After explaining the purpose of the study, we obtained written informed consent from all participants. Data were collected through patient interview and review of patients' medical records. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with utilization of beta blockers. A total of 288 patients were included in the study. Out of the total, 67% of the patients were receiving beta blockers. Among the patients who received beta blockers, 34.2% were taking guideline recommended beta blockers while 65.8% were taking atenolol, which is not guideline recommended beta blocker. Among the patients who received guideline recommended beta blockers, only 3% were taking optimal dose. Prior hospitalization [Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.76], dose of furosemide > 40 mg (AOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.20-0.76), ischemic heart disease (AOR 3.27, 95% CI 1.66-6.45), atrial fibrillation (AOR 4.41, 95% CI 1.38-14.13) were significantly associated with the utilization of beta-blockers. Despite proven benefit, beta blockers were not optimally used in most of the participants in this study. The presence of ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were positively associated with the utilization of beta blockers while hospitalization and higher diuretic dose were negatively associated with the utilization of beta blockers. Clinicians should attempt to use evidence based beta blockers at guideline recommended target doses that have been shown to have morbidity and mortality benefit in chronic heart failure. Moreover, more effort needs to be done to minimize the potentially modifiable risk factors for underutilization of beta blocker in chronic heart failure therapy.

Heart failure treatment up-titration and outcome and age: an analysis of BIOSTAT-CHF

AIMS

Several studies have shown that older patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are undertreated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of up-titration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and beta-blockers on outcome across the age spectrum in HFrEF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed HFrEF patients on sub-optimal doses of ACEI/ARB and/or beta-blockers from the BIOSTAT-CHF study stratified by age. Patients underwent a 3-month up-titration period. We used inverse probability weighting to adjust for the likelihood of successful up-titration to determine the association of achieved dose with mortality and/or heart failure hospitalisation, testing for an interaction with age. Over a median follow-up of 21 months in 1720 HFrEF patients (76.5% male, mean age 67 years), the primary outcome occurred in 558 patients. Increased percentage of target dose of ACEI/ARB and beta-blocker achieved at 3 months were both significantly associated with reduced incidence of the primary outcome, [ACEI-ARB: hazard ratio (HR) per 12.5% increase in dose: 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91-0.94, P < 0.001; beta-blocker: HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95-1.00, P = 0.046], with a significant interaction with age seen for beta-blockers but not ACEI/ARB (P = 0.034 and P = 0.22, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Achieving higher doses of ACEI/ARB was associated with improved outcome regardless of age. However, achieving higher doses of beta-blockers was only associated with improved outcome in younger, but not in older patients.

Early Effects of Starting Doses of Enalapril in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure in the SOLVD Treatment Trial

BACKGROUND

In the Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD) treatment trial, similar clinical benefits were observed between starting doses of enalapril and the target dose achieved by postrandomization up-titration. In our current analysis, protecting the randomization, we examined the early effects of starting doses of enalapril.

METHODS

There were 2569 patients with mild-to-moderate chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (ejection fraction ≤35%) randomized to receive starting doses (5-10 mg/day) of placebo (n = 1284) or enalapril (n = 1285). At day 14, both study drugs were blindly up-titrated to the target dose (20 mg/day). Overall, 96% (2458/2569) of the patients returned for dose up-titration, which was achieved in 59% (1444/2458), 48% (696/1444) of whom were in the enalapril group. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes in the enalapril group were estimated.

RESULTS

HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and the combined endpoint of heart failure hospitalization or all-cause mortality at 14 days after randomization were 0.80 (0.32-2.03), 0.63 (0.35-1.12), and 0.65 (0.39-1.06), respectively. Corresponding HRs (95% CIs) at 30 days were 0.82 (0.41-1.67), 0.43 (0.27-0.68), and 0.43 (0.27-0.68), respectively. The magnitude of these early effects of starting doses of enalapril is similar to its previously reported long-term effects at the target dose.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that in stable ambulatory patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the magnitude of the early effect of starting doses of enalapril is similar to that observed during longer-term therapy with the target doses of the drug.

Utilization and Dose Optimization of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors among Heart Failure Patients in Southwest Ethiopia

Background

Optimal use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) is crucial to improve the treatment outcome in heart failure patients. However, little is known about the optimal use of ACEIs among heart failure patients in our setting. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the utilization and optimal dosing of ACEIs and associated factors in heart failure patients.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected patients with heart failure between February 2016 and June 2016 at ambulatory care clinic of Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia. Data were collected through patient interview and review of medical records. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with utilization and optimal dosing of ACEIs.

Results

A total of 308 patients were included in the final analysis of this study. The mean (±standard deviation) age of the patients was 52.3 ±15.5 years. Out of the total, 74.7% of the patients were receiving ACEIs. Among the patients who were receiving ACEIs, only 35.7% were taking optimal dose. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR):0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.02–0.98), valvular heart disease (AOR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.56), hypertension (AOR: 5.82, 95% CI: 2.16-15.71), and diabetes mellitus (AOR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.07-13.86) were significantly associated with the use of ACEIs, whereas age ≥65 (AOR: 2.61, 95%CI: 1.20-5.64), previous hospitalization for heart failure (AOR: 2.08, 95%CI: 1.11-3.92), diuretic use (AOR: 5.60, 95%CI: 2.75-11.40), and dose of furosemide >40mg (AOR: 9.80, 95%CI: 3.00-31.98) were predictors of suboptimal dosing of ACEIs.

Conclusion

Although majority of patients were receiving ACEIs, only about one-third were using optimal dosage. Valvular heart disease and NYHA class III were negatively associated with the use of ACEIs while previous hospitalization for heart failure, old age, diuretic use, and diuretic dose were predictors of suboptimal dosing of ACEIs. Therefore, more effort needs to be done to minimize the potentially modifiable risk factors of suboptimal use of ACEIs therapy in heart failure patients.

Was the Enalapril Dose Too Low in the PARADIGM-HF Trial?

Heart failure (HF) is a common clinical syndrome associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and there remains a clear need for innovative therapies that can modify disease progression. Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) is a novel complex that combines simultaneous neprilysin inhibition and angiotensin II receptor blockade, that has demonstrated significant cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization reduction in the Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor/Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) With Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure (PARADIGM-HF) trial when compared with evidence-based doses of the gold standard ACE inhibitor enalapril. In this comprehensive review, the authors discuss historical trials that have investigated clinical outcomes utilizing variable dosing levels of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction. A critical analysis of the highlighted studies is proposed in the context of current HF management guidelines and HF clinical practice. In conclusion, based on current evidence, it is unclear whether a maximum recommended enalapril dose would promote improved patient outcomes compared with an intermediate dose. However, no prospective study to date comparing ACE inhibitor doses has documented that higher doses result in significant mortality reduction, although the data suggest that there may be a decrease in HF hospitalizations when compared with lower doses.

A tool for assessment of heart failure prescribing quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure (HF) guidelines aim to standardise patient care. Internationally, prescribing practice in HF may deviate from guidelines and so a standardised tool is required to assess prescribing quality. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify a quantitative tool for measuring adherence to HF guidelines and its clinical implications.

METHODS

Eleven electronic databases were searched to include studies reporting a comprehensive tool for measuring adherence to prescribing guidelines in HF patients aged ≥18 years. Qualitative studies or studies measuring prescription rates alone were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Good ReseArch for Comparative Effectiveness Checklist.

RESULTS

In total, 2455 studies were identified. Sixteen eligible full-text articles were included (n = 14 354 patients, mean age 69 ± 8 y). The Guideline Adherence Index (GAI), and its modified versions, was the most frequently cited tool (n = 13). Other tools identified were the Individualised Reconciled Evidence Recommendations, the Composite Heart Failure Performance, and the Heart Failure Scale. The meta-analysis included the GAI studies of good to high quality. The average GAI-3 was 62%. Compared to low GAI, high GAI patients had lower mortality rate (7.6% vs 33.9%) and lower rehospitalisation rates (23.5% vs 24.5%); both P ≤ .05. High GAI was associated with reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.51) and rehospitalisation (hazard ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval, 0.41-1.00). No tool was used to improve prescribing quality.

CONCLUSION

The GAI is the most frequently used tool to assess guideline adherence in HF. High GAI is associated with improved HF outcomes.

Treatment with Optimal Dose Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Has a Positive Effect on Long-Term Survival in Older Individuals (Aged >70 Years) and Octogenarians with Systolic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a disease of older people, but the target doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of ACEI/ARB dose level with long-term survival in stable older patients (aged >70 years) and octogenarian outpatients with HFrEF.

POPULATION AND METHODS

A total of 138 outpatients aged >70 years (35.5 % > 80 years), with an LVEF <40 % and who were clinically stable on optimal therapy were followed up for 3 years. The ACEI/ARB doses were categorized as: none (0), low (1-50 % target dose), and high (50-100 % target dose). The Cox regression survival model was adjusted for age, ischemic etiology, and renal function.

RESULTS

ACEIs/ARBs were prescribed to 91.3 % of patients, and 52.9 % received the high dose. Survival improved with increasing ACEI/ARB dose level in the total population (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.67; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.82; p < 0.001), older patients aged >70 years (HR = 0.65; 95 % CI 0.51-0.83; p < 0.001), and octogenarians (HR = 0.71; 95 % CI 0.51-0.99; p = 0.045). The low (HR = 0.35; 95 % CI 0.16-0.76; p = 0.008) and high doses (HR = 0.13; 95 % CI 0.06-0.32; p < 0.001) improved survival compared with not receiving ACEIs/ARBs. The high dose was associated with a better survival than the low dose in the total population (HR = 0.35; 95 % CI 0.19-0.67; p = 0.001) and in a propensity score-matched cohort (HR = 0.41; 95 % CI 0.16-1.02; p = 0.056). In octogenarians, all dose levels were associated with improved survival compared with not receiving ACEIs/ARBs, but there was no difference between ACEI/ARB doses.

CONCLUSION

The achieved optimal dose of ACEIs/ARBs in ambulatory older people with HFrEF is associated with long-term survival.